Jonathan Van Eaton was named to the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List on Tuesday

April 23, 2013

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) announced Tuesday that University of Memphis closer Jonathan Van Eaton is on the organization’s Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List.

The redshirt-junior closer has eight saves on the season, second most in single season school history, matching his total from 2012. With 16 career saves, Van Eaton holds the school record for career saves having passed Matt Yokley’s mark of 15 with his save at UAB on April 12.

The Arlington, Tenn. product has an 0-1 record with a 4.22 ERA in 21.1 innings pitched. Van Eaton has made 16 appearances on the season after making a single-season record 30 a season ago. The Tigers closer is one of three C-USA pitchers on the list and one of 45 on the full list.

Nominations for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award were made by baseball sports information/media relations contacts and more than 90 nominations were received. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Division I national saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as finalists and released Wednesday, June 5, prior to start of NCAA Super Regional tournament competition.

The NCBWA's All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced during the 2013 College World Series.

Van Eaton and the Tigers battle No. 10 Mississippi State on Tuesday night at AutoZone Park. First pitch is slated for 6:30 p.m.